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“Keep it. You’ll probably need it.”
“I can return it at the next inspection.”
I pause. “You want another inspection?”
Color flashes across his face. “No. I just meant—”
“Shame.”
His mouth shuts. “I’d still rather return it myself.”
“Fine.” I look at the clear film covering his skin. “Give me your hand.”
He hesitates. “The seal bonds faster with heat and pressure.”
His eyes drop to my bare hand, and we both know he could do it himself.
I hold mine out anyway. “That wasn’t a request.”
His throat moves before he finally places his hand in mine. Coarse skin over fine bones, his hand almost disappears in mine as I press my thumb against the seal and catch his pulse at the wrist, hammering hard beneath my fingers.
Fuck. He keeps his eyes on the fire, but his fingers twitch in mine.
“Your pulse is lying to your face.” I lower my voice and press my thumb more firmly over the frantic beat. “The rest of you holds so still. So good. But this little thing keeps telling me exactly how scared you are.”
“Is it... warm enough yet?”
His eyes flick up to mine, then dart around us toward the camp as it settles for the night. Shelters are pulled tight against the rain, fires burn lower, and nobody risks a second look at the two of us.
“Not even close. You know, I could stand here all night to find out which one of you gives in first.”
His fingers flex in mine. “Can you… let go now?”
“Ask nicely.”
He swallows. “P-please.”
The word goes through my gear. My cock throbs, actually throbs, at one soft syllable from a mud-soaked liar half my size.
I should let go.
Instead, I tighten my fingers just enough to feel his pulse jump.
“Good.”
His eyes widen, and fuck me, I squeeze before I can stop myself. What the fuck is wrong with me?
“Is it done now?” His fingers flex against mine. “Can you let go?”
No, we’re nowhere near done, but he doesn’t need to know it yet.
Releasing his hand, I watch him take it back without looking at it, then point to the opened bandage roll. “Stop giving your supplies away.”
His mouth opens.
“Good night, Candidate.”
I step back over the rope and walk away. The camp starts moving again behind me as soon as I reach the trees.
